Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 52: Werewolf Treatment
"Professor," Dudley raised his hand.
"Yes, Mr. Dursley?" replied Professor McGonagall.
"Why can't Metamorphmaguses become Animagi?" Dudley asked.
"Nice question, Mr. Dursley," McGonagall smiled. "First of all, Metamorphmagus and Animagus are two different abilities. They can't coexist in the same body. A Metamorphmagus can change their appearance at will without using Polyjuice Potion, whereas an Animagus can transform into an animal and inherit some of that animal's abilities."
"Oh, I see," Dudley replied, then continued, "Professor, is it true that becoming an Animagus makes us immune to werewolf attacks?"
McGonagall's eyes widened, and she fell silent for a moment before Hermione spoke up.
"Yes, I was there when Sirius was attacked by Remus," said Hermione.
"Attacked? When?" McGonagall asked, her face turning pale.
"It was during our third year. Remus turned into a werewolf, and Sirius got injured by him," explained Hermione.
"What?" Professor McGonagall clearly hadn't known this.
"So there is a benefit to becoming an Animagus," Dudley said, trying to shift the conversation. "It makes us immune to the werewolf curse."
Everyone fell silent, deep in thought.
"Professor, I've decided not to become an Animagus," Dudley suddenly declared, wanting to keep his Metamorphmagus ability a secret.
Even in Sun Tzu's Art of War, Chapter 1, verse 18, it says, "All warfare is based on deception."
There's also a famous saying: To fool an enemy, you need to fool your friends first, because there might be a spy among them. Dudley decided to keep his Metamorphmagus ability as a secret trump card.
The only person who can change their appearance at will is Tonks, but her magic is unstable—her emotions directly affect her Metamorphmagus abilities.
But Dudley's magic was perfect, it wasn't affected by emotions, only by intent, which guided his magic to change his appearance.
"Why, Dudley?" asked Hermione, wide-eyed.
"Personal preference," Dudley replied.
Hearing his answer, Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Are you sure, Mr. Dursley?" Professor McGonagall asked for confirmation.
"Yes, I'm sure," Dudley replied confidently.
Professor McGonagall sighed at Dudley's answer.
"Okay, if that's your wish, there's nothing I can do to change it."
"But there's something I want to ask," Dudley said. "If becoming an Animagus can prevent a werewolf from cursing you and turning you into one of them, why hasn't anyone tried to turn werewolves into Animagi?"
This question was valid, and even Professor McGonagall, who was an Animagus, had never thought of it.
"Maybe because before Sirius, no Animagus had ever been attacked by a werewolf," said Hermione.
"I want to help. I want to try to invent a cure to turn werewolves into Animagi," Dudley said confidently.
"Really?" replied Professor McGonagall in disbelief, but then she decided to trust him. "Mr. Dursley, if anyone else said that, I might not believe it, but I know you're one of the best students at Hogwarts. I place my hope on your shoulders."
"Can I join your research?" Hermione asked.
"I'm glad you want to help, Hermione," Dudley replied with a smile.
---Hermione POV---
After parting ways with Dudley, Hermione headed to Gryffindor Tower while Dudley went to the Hufflepuff basement.
As she walked towards the portrait, she remembered Dudley's promise to include her in his research. Smiling, she happily made her way, eager to meet Harry and Ron.
"Draco Lapunis," Hermione said to the portrait.
The portrait swung open, and she entered the Gryffindor Tower. Inside, she found Harry and Ron, clearly waiting for her while playing wizard chess.
Upon seeing her, they asked, "Hermione, did Professor McGonagall agree to teach you how to become an Animagus?" Harry asked.
Hermione smiled and answered, "Yes, she even gave me this book." She showed the book to her friends.
"Wow, that's great! I'm glad you got the chance to become an Animagus," replied Harry.
"Hmmm, teacher's pet," Ron said, sounding jealous.
"You're just jealous, Ronald Weasley," Hermione replied with a smirk.
"You're the one who's jealous!" Ron tried to defend himself.
"Gotcha! Why would I be jealous of you?" Hermione asked with innocent eyes.
"Because I'm better at Quidditch than you," Ron blurted out, speaking nonsense.
"Hahahahaha!" Hermione laughed.
"Wait, guys, be quiet," Harry tried to stop the nonsense.
Hermione and Ron decided to end their argument, though Ron was still fuming.
"What did my cousin Dudley say?" Harry asked.
"He's interested, but he doesn't want to become an Animagus," Hermione replied.
"What? Why?" Both Harry and Ron were surprised by Dudley's decision.
"I don't know, but he also said there might be a cure for werewolves," Hermione added.
"What? How?" asked Harry, while Ron tried to process the information.
"Do you remember our third year?" Hermione asked. "When Sirius was trying to protect us from Remus?"
"Yes, we remember," Harry replied.
"Oh, remembering that makes my leg itch for some reason," Ron added.
"Yes, remember how Remus attacked Sirius, but Sirius didn't turn into a werewolf even though the wound was deep?" Hermione explained.
Harry's eyes lit up as he grasped what Hermione was implying, while Ron remained confused.
"Are you saying that being an Animagus can cure werewolves?" Harry asked, and Ron finally understood.
"Yes, Dudley thinks there might be a cure for werewolves. If he can help Remus become an Animagus, Remus could possibly be cured, and his curse would vanish," Hermione explained.
---Dudley POV---
To create a cure for werewolves, Dudley needed a lab, and for that, he had to go to the Room of Requirement.
Fortunately, the location of the Room was well known, situated on the 7th floor. Upon arriving at the entrance, he also decided to search for the Horcrux.
While doing so, he planned to lift the curse Voldemort had placed on the Defense Against the Dark Arts position.
'Is it a good idea to let Lucius Malfoy escape from the curse?' Dudley thought. 'But didn't Voldemort lift the curse for Snape?'
He ultimately decided just to retrieve the Ravenclaw's Diadem Horcrux.
Standing in front of the Room of Requirement, he walked past the wall three times while thinking consistently.
'I need a room to hide something.'
'I need a room to hide something.'
'I need a room to hide something.'
After the third pass, the door materialized, and Dudley knew he had succeeded. For added security, he activated gamer mode and cast a spell.
"Revelio."
His version of the Revelio charm was more advanced—it could detect anyone hiding behind walls, unlike the standard Revelio, which could only dispel the Disillusionment Charm.
Author Notes:
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Chapter 81: Occlumency
Chapter 82: Excellent Spy
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